SoftWall noise control solutions
SoftWall noise control solutions
Soper’s SoftWall noise control solutions – five categories
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Whether it is strategically
placed baffles and wall
blankets to control
ambient noise, or a
SoftWall enclosure system,
Soper’s has a practical,
efficient, cost-effective
noise control solution.
Sealed enclosures to contain compressors, pumps etc.
Target: noise reduction of 20- plus dB
4
Overall ambient noise reduction within the entire facility
Target: noise reduction of 6 – 12 dB
Large enclosures to segregate entire areas
5
3
Outdoor environmental noise pollution enclosures
Target: noise reduction of 10 – 20 dB
Smaller work station enclosures
Rugged
Purpose Built
Custom sized
Designed
P.O. Box 277, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3E8
Fax: (905)528-8128
e-mail: [email protected]
(905)528-7936 1-800-263-8334
www.sopers.com
Printed in Canada on Recycled paper. SP009 - March 22, 2002
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Industrial noise
Acoustical Absorbers
– not just an occupational health and safety issue
When noise is absorbed, the sound
Even before noise – defined as unwanted sound – becomes a health and safety issue,
it can have a costly impact on productivity and efficiency.
The Soper’s solution
ABSORBER
project that involves controlling a specific sound source, Soper’s will deliver a solution. When it is a
converted to heat through a frictional
complex problem, calling in additional associate experts like acoustic engineers is often advisable.
process within the porous material.
Noise can be constant, pulsating or intermittent. And it can travel in unpredictable patterns.
Whether it is ambient noise – the accumulation of all the sounds in a production area – or a typical
wave enters the material and is
There are some key principles in the Soper’s commitment to deliver a high value-added solution:
It is important to consider the use of
Keep it simple
a barrier in conjunction with the
Surprisingly, without a proper design, attempts to simply block noise can actually make the
absorber, as sound waves tend to
problem worse. “Block and Absorb” is the answer and the SoftWall specialists at Soper’s
to your noise control challenges.
material. When a full or partial enclo-
For instance, if it means creating a physical barrier, make sure it does not impede materials handling
sure is designed, sound-absorbing
or other plant traffic patterns.
materials should be used on the inside
·
·
surface of the noise barrier to
STRUCTURE
minimize reflected and elevated
sound levels.
For ambient noise, a step-by-step approach is often advisable since costs can be significant
when covering large surface areas.
Solutions can start with surface treatments such as wall blankets and ceiling baffles; then progress
to include larger suspended upper panels (sound hoods). Framed screens at floor level can be
introduced later to fine-tune the overall solution, isolating specific noise sources.
What is a decibel ?
Sound intensity is measured in decibels (dBs). The human ear has a comfortable and safe
For example…
listening range of zero dB (our threshold of hearing) through to 70 dB ( the din of a noisy
Acoustical Barriers
restaurant or heavy traffic ).
➤
To overcome ambient noise generated at an instructional woodworking lab, Soper’s was able
to reduce the overall noise level to a point where:
The most effective way to reduce
·
·
noise is to place a barrier between
Frequencies and their impact…
the source of the noise and the
Noise is not just soft or loud; it travels the frequency map from an almost inaudible murmur
receiver. However, barriers do not
to a tooth-jarring bang. Low frequency noises, like the whump of a punch-press, can also produce
It is sometimes necessary to stage a multi-faceted solution that combines a wide range of
specialty expertise, from equipment isolation to custom enclosures.
Ear protection was not required
The instructional area was isolated without blocking the view or mobility of the instructor
(and students) at the floor level – enabling an easy and continual transition between instruction
and machine usage.
absorb sound. Instead, most of the
additional structure-borne sound that actually travels through floors, steel columns and beams.
sound is reflected back from the
Other challenges involved working around exhaust ducts, air make-up vents and electrical and
barrier. When choosing material for a
compressed air outlets – all while ensuring existing lighting remained adequate in all areas.
sound barrier the important consider-
The Soper’s solution met these challenges and has since been implemented at other locations.
ation is its physical mass. The heavier
and denser the material, the better
the barrier.
Here are some facts about noise:
·
·
·
BARRIER
Immediate and measurable results
·
At 150 to 160 dB – the “crack” of a
Soper’s expects the results to be immediate
30-calibre rifle – massive destruction
– and measurable – for its customers. Noise levels, before
120 dB is like being close to a propeller aircraft; the noise can cause pain and ringing in the ear.
of the auditory nerves and
and after, tell only part of the story. The Soper’s solution is
Sharp pain and extensive destruction of the auditory nerves occurs at 140 dB,
persistent ringing in the ears will occur
a complete solution. We not only solve the noise problem, we
noise produced by a shotgun blast or standing 30 metres from a jet engine.
immediately.
also incorporate our extensive SoftWall enclosure experience
Without ear protection, auditory nerves can be permanently damaged by prolonged exposure to
90 dB noise – roughly the equivalent of a lawn mower or a heavy vehicle.
to enhance productivity and ensure there is no impact on
process flow.
Soper’s encourages the client to actively participate throughout
the design process. The goal is to ensure Soper’s noise control
solutions exceed expectations in terms of flexibility, durability
and integrity.
90 dB noise
Lawn Mower
( Damage can
occur if
prolonged )
Keep it efficient
And above all, keep it cost-effective!
flow through the porous absorbing
can help you simplify a complex problem and identify a cost-effective, step-by-step solution
Keep it practical
The final tests:
120 dB
Propeller Aircraft
( Threshold of pain )
140 dB
Shotgun Blast
( Extreme danger)
150 to 160 dB
30-Calibre Rifle
( Extreme danger)
·
·
Seamless interface with existing operations
Delivery and installation with little or no down time.
Cross Section
Acoustical Absorbers